Blueshirts

The Army Comrades Association (ACA), better known as the Blueshirts, was a fascist political organization that existed in Ireland from 1932 to 1933. The ACA was formed in response to Irish Republican Army attacks on Cumann na nGaedheal rallies, and it consisted of several pro-Treaty Irish Army veterans who were loyal to the Irish Free State. The Blueshirts had over 30,000 members by September 1932, and they promoted the reunification of Ireland, "upholding Christian principles in every sphere of public activity", maintaining social order, opposing communism, opposing strikes and lockouts, fighting corruption, and inspiring Irish patriotism. In August 1933, the Blueshirts planned a march on Dublin in the style of the Blackshirts during their 1922 March on Rome, but Fianna Fail leader and President Eamon de Valera refused to allow for the parade to occur, fearing a coup. Eoin O'Duffy accepted this, as he swore to uphold the law, but the party was outlawed after holding parades to commemorate Michael Collins, Arthur Griffith, and Kevin O'Higgins